Citibank, one of the world’s largest financial services institutions, and the country’s largest foreign bank, celebrated its centennial in the Philippines and in the Asia-Pacific region with a big bash hosted by the best in her field, Ces Drilon. The event attracted Citibank’s mega executives and other tres chic personas.
Lending prestige to the event was Citibank’s magnum Asia- Pacific Group head for consumer bank, tres charmant Dutch equestrian Frits Seegers. The event was highlighted by the unveiling of the bank’s new logo (the sixth for Citibank), during its 100-year tenure in the Asia-Pacific region.
"As Filipino Citibankers celebrate the centennial," said Frits Seegers, "it gives me great pleasure to introduce a new brand that more accurately reflects what the bank has evolved into – a modern, more personal organization and a complete financial services company that offers more to any individual or corporation."
"You will notice," he continued, "that the signature blue wave remains. Instead of the compass rose, now it’s a red arc which reflects the broader product range that Citibank now offers to individuals and companies. Our new (logo attests to) our desire to evolve with our customers’ changing financial needs."
The eye-catchers of the affair, dahlings, were the two women at the helm of Citibank’s two major business groups locally: Country corporate officer, sleek dresser and super articulate Catherine Weir and country business manager, fashion plate, brilliant Nina Aguas. The duo will spearhead a series of events throughout the year commemorating Citibank’s centennial.
Nina A. said, "It is a global training ground for many of us and I believe it is the unparalleled formula of Citibank’s world-class standards and the Filipinos’ hard work, dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence that have brought us here today. We are filled with pride for the company and its achievements, and for ourselves as Filipinos who contributed to this milestone."
The bank’s new look, palanggas, was presented apres a celebratory performance by the Power Dance group. This was complemented by a shower of confetti, a fantastic play of lights and the unfurling of banners and streamers displaying Citibank’s new logo. Apres, the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers enthralled guests with their moving renditions of popular songs.
A raffle capped the momentous occasion. Trips to Singapore and Hong Kong, plus Citibank Centennial Edition luggage were presented to lucky members of the press.
At the end of the affair, the Big Three – Steegers, Weir and Aguas – and well-respected Richard Smith, country manager for Citigroup Private Bank, went onstage to lead the toast.
It’s absolutely amazing, dahlings, how Citibank has accomplished so much in the past 100 years. The bank’s customers can surely look forward to another exciting 100 years in the Philippines as Citibank anticipates better times ahead.
"It was in 1954 that Manila Polo Club president Bob Janda honored his predecessors with a polo cup. (This saw the) birth of the Past Presidents’ Cup." This was explained to moi by the Club’s cyber smart PR lady Kim Concepcion, no less.
Forty-eight years later, the Cup is still very much around. The Club opened the 2002 polo season with the Polo Cup – a super awaited event at the stables of the rich and famous.
So, palanggas, it came as no surprise to see over 300 chi-chi Polo Club members and their privileged invitees rubbing elbows at the Club’s breezy al fresco East Terrace to watch the frenetic polo action.
The 2002 Formal Opening Ceremonies and Past Presidents’ Cup was a charmed event made more special by the presence of 15 past Club presidents from the 1960 to 2002 – Don Enrique Zobel; lawyer Tony Meer; Luis Garcia; Dr. Ramon Batungbacal; Hermie Zayco; Ting Ayllon; Wash Lou; Felix Amparo; Cady Dominguez; Tony Rufino; Freddie Borromeo; Juan Carlos del Rosario; Charlie Rufino; Ed Tordesillas; plus one or two more.
Welcoming the Polo pack were dashing gent and MPC president Pol Ascalon with MPC directors Rene Concepcion and Cesar Bautista, and the Club’s well-respected Philippe Bartholomi.
One of the past presidents threw the ceremonial ball with Pol Ascalon and the other past presidents assisting him.
Definitely in the thick of the exciting first match were super popular British Ambassador Alan Collins and his adorable wife Ann C.; Danish Ambassador Peter Rosting and Birgitta R.; the always tres charmant French Ambassador Gilles Chouraqui; plus other members of the chic diplomatic corps.
Also seen were Eric Filamor; Chinit Rufino; Lil Dominguez; Fil Juntereal; Jess Villa; Roger Davis; plus so many others like them, palanggas.
Cheering for their team were excited eye-catching beauties Cita Yabut; Marilen Elizalde; Ana Bitong; and Carol Masibay.
Hans Kasten; Louie Ysmael; Francisco Elizalde; Carlyn Manning; Freddie and Jo Borromeo; Joe and Anne Lubus sipped their drinks while enjoying the matches.
The preliminary low goal match was won by the Maroon team of the only female polo player in the country, Rosanna Yulo; Sonny Borromeo; Vince Bitong and Jun Juban. During the super high goal match, it was the Black team of renowned polo player Bobby Aguirre; Iñigo Zobel; Nacho Gonzalez; and Ricky Yabut that won the match. MVP of the Match was Iñigo Z. while the best polo pony match was "Without" owned by Iñigo Z., but who else?
Apres the polo games, sumptuous yummies, dahlings, were served at the Club’s Main Lounge with wines provided by Philippine Wine Merchants and Ralph’s Wines and Spirits. The event was also made possible with the valuable participation of Coca Cola Bottlers Phils., Viking Cars – VOLVO, Tropical Ice, Nestea and Haagen Dazs.
A beautiful fireworks display at the East Field awed the attendees and capped the first polo match of the season. It was generously donated by Ricky Crisostomo, the man behind the 1998 Philippine Centennial celebration fireworks display at the Luneta, as well as the 1997 Hong Kong handover rites.
As always, palanggas, the entire Club management and staff of the Manila Polo Club led by GM Philippe Bartholomi; polo and equestrian manager Ed Tabuzo; membership/publications manager Kim Concepcion; banquet sales manager Lily del Rosario; and chef Nick Santiago made sure that all the details for the polo cups befit the royals who play and watch the kingly sport.
See you at the games, palanggas.
Tres visible were BMI chairperson, charity-oriented business tycoon Belen Martel, her husband Antonio Martel Jr., and daughter Antonia, along with BMI officers Mr. and Mrs. Clemente; Juliet Ticzon; Jaclyn Clemente; the US Embassy’s Don and Norma Sandres; and Bombit and Sharon dela Peña; plus others like them who applauded the choice of the winner, palanggas.
With Citibank’s new look and the polo season on, summer has definitely arrived, palanggas.